UK & Ireland Blues Festivals

7 Hills Blues Festival40 Hours of Straight Blues from Traditional to Country Slide to Chicago beat taking place from Friday 12 August until Sunday 14 August at 20 venues across Armagh City, Ireland. Artists include Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson, Mirenda Rosenberg, Lee Hedley Band, Mark Braidner and many more.

Colne Blues Festival UKThe Great British Rhythm & Blues and street festival is held over the August Bank Holiday in Colne, East Lancashire.

Darvel Music FestivalEast Ayrshire, Scotland which is run entirely by volunteers, receives funding from various organisations and sponsors. This year the festival will run from 4th - 6th May includes a blues night on 4th may, featuring Muddy Waters Jr, Hamilton Loomis and Blues n Trouble.

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues FestivalAnnual festival runs from the end of July for 10 days with a selection of both free and priced music entertainment, workshops and talks by respected speakers.

Free Arts FestivalAnnual festival held during May in Newcastle upon Tyne includes all styles of music and drama.

Harvest Time Blues Festival1st – 4th September 2017 will be the 21st edition of the festival, a blues festival dedicated to the music that gave birth to rock 'n' roll.

Hertford Music Festivalis an annual month long event hosted in outdoor and indoor venues around the area from April to May with various styles of original/covers major and new acts/bands including Blues. The organisers are currently seeking performers who would like to participate.

Music for Africa UKMusic for Africa seeks to foster the international language of music within poor communities of South Africa by providing instruments and resources to teach staff in the primary and secondary schools. Various festivals and events are promoted, 1999 saw a blues festival, this year its the turn of jazz and world music at in Montacute, Somerset on July 19th 2003 (tbc)!

Swanage Blues WeekendThis three day event in Swanage, Dorset, includes acoustic room, workshops, jam sessions plus a variety of blues bands in various venues throughout the area.

Tenby Blues FestivalHeld for 3 days during November in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, this years event includes Alvin Youngblood Hart, Michael Roach, Otis Grand and many more.

Upton Blues Festivalforthcoming Free Blues Festival in Upton Upon Severn Worcestershire, held in pubs & venues throughout the area. Visit site for artist & venue information.

Wickham FestivalA 4-day live music festival in a stunning rural setting featuring a mix of blues, rock, folk and world music artists. Please see the Festival website for further details. Day & weekend tickets available. Box Office 01329 231942 / 023 8071 1818

Lite White Legends of Blues Festival, Australia held annually during the third weekend of January in the heart of the NSW Snowy Mountains, Thredbo Alpine Village. Over 100 Blues artists from Australia and overseas performing in 15 venues throughout the village.

Montreux Jazz FestivalAnnual festival held July in Montreux, France includes voice, piano and saxophone competitions.

New England Blues Summit3 day all inclusive music getawaythat provides lodging, meals and access to ALL N.E. Blues Society events and Summit shows

Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festivalheld at Salmon Arm, Shuswap, British Columbia, Canada every August (17th - 19th in 2007) plus events during the year. Three day annual Festival, held the third weekend in August in Central British Columbia, Canada. 60 artists perform on 7 stages (includes a Blues stage). Camping nearby. Family friendly.

San Francisco BluesThe 31st annual festival is to be held on September 27-28, 2003 11a m - 6 pm each day Great Meadow, Fort Mason, San Francisco, USA and includes a free waterfront blues concert!

Woodford Folk Festival, Australiais an event of international standing held over six days & nights presenting more than 2000 Australian & International performers and 400 events including concerts, workshops, acoustic jams, history forums, late night cabarets and special events including a spectacular fire event.

Blues Festival & Events Listings Sites

These sites provide blues/jazz festival/events/gig listings and search. Some also have directories for other genres of music. EBC Gig Guide for links to other types of UK Music Festivals and full list of festival listings sites.